The western world was shocked to hear of the death of Fr Jacques Hamel who was murdered in Rouen as he was finishing Mass. His death will remind many Catholics of the murder of Archbishop Oscar Romero who is recognised as a martyr on behalf of the poor in El Salvador. Fr Hamel has also been acknowledged as a martyr for his faith by Pope Francis. Below are two messeages of condolence from the Ahlul Bayt Society and the Muslim Council of Scotland. Many of the responses to Fr Hamel's death have emphasised that these terrible attacks on faith must not undermine good interfaith relations. We must continue to counter hate with love believing that in the end that will win.

AHLUL BAYT SOCIETY

We were so sorry, distraught, and pained to have heard of the brutal and atrocious killing of Father Jacques Hamel. Please accept the Scottish Ahlul Bayt Society's deepest condolences, and know that we stand in solidarity, mourning, and prayer along side the Catholic community as we remember the tragic murder of Father Jacques Hamel who was performing Mass before this horrific tragedy took place, and we condemn the attackers vociferously, and pray for peace and harmony and unity.In affection and shared pain

MUSLIM COUNCIL OF SCOTLAND

​Dear Archbishop Emiritus Mario Conti,

Muslim Council of Scotland has been deeply saddened by the callous and brutalmurder of Father Jacques Hamel during morning Mass in his church in Normandy onTuesday 26th July.Although we have become almost accustomed to the horrendous indiscriminateactions of Daesh, this latest killing has proved once again there is no limit to how lowthis group will stoop to illustrate its brutality.The Convener of MCS Dr Javed Gill said “This is an extremely shocking incident whichhas absolutely no justification whatsoever; it has robbed the faith community of amuch loved person, a pillar of his community. We offer our deepest sympathies andcondolences to the family of Father Jaques Hamel and everyone across the CatholicChurch. We also offer our sincere prayers for an end to this horror, which continuesto bring so much pain and distress to so many.""As Muslims we know the perpetrators of this crime do not represent Islam; yetthrough their every action we are learning exactly how far they have transgressedfrom the teachings of the Prophet Muhammad (peace be upon him), who hadcategorically declared that the rights of all religious institutions and personalitieswere inviolable."Muslim Council of Scotland is also keen to meet with you, to offer our condolences inperson at this difficult time.With Peace and PrayersDr Javed GillMCS Convener